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Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1969

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Book Brief

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Vine Deloria Jr.

Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1969
Book Details
Pages

278

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1960s

Publication Year

1969

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr. delves into the oppression faced by Native people in the United States, details their historical resistance, and suggests actionable steps for modern Indigenous activism. Deloria critiques anthropologists, missionaries, and federal policies aimed at erasing Native culture and advocates for a resurgence of traditional practices and leadership. The book contains in-depth discussion and analysis of crimes against Indigenous Americans.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

4,203 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Vine Deloria Jr.'s Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto receives praise for its powerful critique of U.S. policies toward Native Americans and its witty, incisive prose. Reviewers commend its historical insights and passionate advocacy, though some note it feels dated in parts. Overall, it's a compelling, influential read in Native American studies.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto?

A reader who enjoys Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr. is likely interested in Native American history, ethnic studies, and social justice. Similar in audience to Howard Zinn's A People’s History of the United States, this book appeals to those seeking critical perspectives on U.S. history and Indigenous issues.

4.4

4,203 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Vine Victor Deloria Jr.

A member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and author, who uses his experiences as NCAI executive director and educator to provide insights into the challenges and dynamics of Indigenous communities in the United States.

A US Army general during the American Indian Wars, whose defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn is a key symbolic event referenced in the book.

Book Details
Pages

278

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1960s

Publication Year

1969

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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